Cleansing Creams 101

Though cleansing creams might be the right choice in skin care for some, others may prefer soap, liquid cleansers or other types of face wash, depending on their skin type.

One advantage of cleansing creams across all skin types is that they are good for removing makeup [source: Draelos]. They're gentler than soap and lighter than cold creams, which often include borax, so they're usually great for people with dry or sensitive skin.

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On the other hand, cleansing creams aren't great for people with oily skin, because they might leave behind a residue on the skin that leaves you feeling just as greasy as you did before you washed. Some skin care experts may recommend following up with either a mild soap or astringent to remove the film.

And even though cleansing creams are gentle, people with sensitive skin might still be allergic to some of the ingredients, such as preservatives, fragrances, emollients and the rosin that holds the cream together.

If you're not sure which skin type you are, or even if you just haven't found a cleanser you like, you might need to experiment with different brands until you find one that works for you and your skin type. For even more information on cleansing creams and how to find the right one, continue on to the next page.

Warm versus Hot Water

Even though a long, hot shower might be the helpful in many situations, such as after a hard day or a difficult workout, it's not the cure to dry skin. Hot water dries your skin out even more because it removes oils that seal in moisture [source: Mayo Clinic].